February 17, 1960
RADIATION: France yesterday tested an atomic bomb for the first time in the Sahara Desert, raising concerns over the impact that the radiation released may have on the health of people throughout the region of North Africa. These concerns were further heightened by news that many countries in Africa and Asia lodged official complaints against France over the consequences of nuclear testing. Here in Greece, the state atomic agency reported that according to measurements taken yesterday, only a small amount of radiation was detected in the atmosphere and that these levels were far below international danger limits. ANTICOMMUNIST STRUGGLE: During yesterday’s parliamentary session, there was a heated debate following statements by left-wing deputies who are traveling in Romania and Bulgaria. The friction arose when MP Constantine Maniadakis asked how deputies who were traveling in a private capacity had made official appearances and unacceptable statements that were contrary to the government’s foreign policy. The left protested vehemently and, according to Interior Minister Dimitris Makris, even hysterically. Opposition party leaders protested at what they said was an attempt to shackle deputies, contrary to the Constitution and parliamentary regulations.
